In Latin America Mosquito-borne Zinka virus has created panic over birth defects

(January 25, 2016)

In the Latin America countries thousands of birth defects due to Mosquito-borne Zika virus. New case of child born with the virus has been reported in these countries. Brazil is suffering from outbreak of Zika and it is most cases in the north-east region.

Due to this virus babies are born with an abnormal condition called microcephaly i. e. with abnormally smaller heads which can cause brain damage.

In order to avoid this Zika virus some Latin American countries like. Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador and Jamaica have advised women to avoid getting pregnant.

Three cases of virus also reported in the United States (US) in Florida, in people who had recently travelled to Latin America.

About Zika virus:

It is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Virus family: Flaviviridae.

Genus: Flavivirus.

In 1947 at Uganda this virus was first identified and it was named based on Zika Forest.

Zika virus is not transmissible but it is mainly conveyed by daytime-active Aedes aegypti mosquitoes when it bites someone infected with the virus and transmit it by biting another human.

Most common symptoms:

Headache

muscle and joint pain

mild fever

rash

Pinkeye and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid

Action and Prevention: still there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for this virus

And to avoid it best way is get protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Special Note: due to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes also 3 other vector-borne diseases are also noted: